Only His (Fool's Gold #6)(63)

He wished he could be as confident. In his experience, local government officials could be a pain in his ass. Until recently his biggest concern had been avoiding Cat. But being around her wasn’t an issue now, which had set him free of the past. Things had been going great, and now this.

“We’re up to date on the paperwork?” he asked.

“Yes. I double-checked that when she asked to see us. I’ve known Mayor Marsha all my life, Tucker. She’s not out to get us.”

He heard a car pull up outside. “I hope you’re right,” he said as he stood and crossed to the door. He stepped outside and walked down the two steps to greet the mayor.

As always, Marsha Tilson was well-dressed in a suit and low heels. Her white hair was in that puffy style women of her age seemed to favor. She had her purse over one shoulder and a folder in her right hand. He eyed the folder, knowing in his gut it was going to mean trouble.

“Good morning,” the mayor said cheerfully.

“Mayor Tilson.” He crossed to her and held out his hand. “Nice to see you.”

“Please, Tucker. I’ve asked you to call me Mayor Marsha.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he murmured, before he could stop himself.

They shook, then she glanced around.

“You’re making progress. The land is nearly cleared. I understand there is to be some blasting soon. If you would make sure you schedule it on a school day so we don’t have too many young bystanders, I would appreciate it.”

“Of course.”

“Excellent.” She motioned to the trailer. “Shall we?”

He wasn’t exactly sure how she’d gotten control of the conversation, but there she was, leading him inside his own trailer as if she were the hostess.

He climbed the stairs and walked in to find her settling on the chair by Nevada’s desk.

“Cramped quarters,” she said, taking the mug of coffee Nevada handed her. “I suppose you don’t want to waste the money on an expensive office. Very sensible.”

“Thanks.”

He pulled up a chair and sat across from her. Nevada sank into her own seat.

The mayor set the folder on the desk. “The city council and I are very pleased with how things are progressing here. You’re ahead of schedule, which is wonderful. The team you’ve brought in is an excellent addition to the town. They’re well-mannered and eating out nearly every night.” She smiled. “Something our local businesses appreciate.”

Nevada shot him a “See?” look. He relaxed a little. Maybe he’d been wrong. Maybe there wasn’t a problem.

“Mr. Janack, you’ve been a pleasure to work with.”

“Tucker, please.”

Mayor Marsha nodded. “Tucker.” She glanced at Nevada, then back at him. “Which is why it pains me to have to come here and talk about something less than pleasant.”

He held in a groan. Here it comes, he thought, trying to figure out what could have the good mayor’s panties in a bunch.

“What’s wrong?” Nevada asked. “All the permits are in order, we’re paying our fees, the plans have been approved.”

The mayor reached across the desk and patted Nevada’s hand. “Not to worry. I have no complaints about the construction. I wish the rest of my city business ran as smoothly. What I have instead is a more delicate problem. One I need your help with.” She turned to Tucker. “You, especially.”

He didn’t like the sound of that. “All right,” he said slowly. “What’s the problem?”

“Caterina Stoicasescu.”

“Cat?” Nevada asked. “What has she done?”

“More important,” Tucker said. “What makes you think I can help?”

Nevada glanced at him. “Give it up. Our mayor knows everything.”

He didn’t know what to say about that.

Mayor Marsha drew in a deep breath. “Returning to the topic at hand, this must be fixed. On the surface, Ms. Stoicasescu has been nothing but generous. When we invited her to our artist series, we never dreamed someone of her caliber would attend. She’s been delightful, giving interviews, speaking with students at the schools. She even taught a class at the college.”

Tucker frowned. He didn’t know about any of this. When had Cat gotten so involved with Fool’s Gold? Nevada looked equally flummoxed.

“I didn’t know,” Nevada murmured. “She’s making a place for herself here.”

“I’m not sure about that. She doesn’t seem to be the type to settle anywhere, however, she obviously has taken to the town. She’s giving us a generous gift.”

Tucker turned his attention back to Mayor Marsha. There was something about the way she said the words “generous gift.” Something that indicated it was anything but.

“You’re not happy about the gift?” he asked.

Marsha put on her reading glasses and opened her folder, then read from the paper inside. “Ms. Stoicasescu has been inspired by the positive female presence in Fool’s Gold. As a thank-you for taking her in and making her feel as if she truly belongs, she wishes to give the community a gift. A sculpture that will celebrate the spirit of the town and the female energy that has made it so unique.”

“Not the most gracefully worded press release,” Nevada said, “but I’m missing the bad part. Is it the cost of the installation? We can hold a fundraiser. Cat’s name is huge. We’ll get donations from all over.”